Tractor transport box



y 8, 1953 R. WIERSHING 2,646,910

TRACTOR TRANSPORT BOX Filed Sept. 1949 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 u y 8, 1953 R. WIERSHING 2,646,910

TRACTOR TRANSPORT Box Filed Sept; 8, 1949 2 Sh e ets-Sh eet 2 Patented July 28, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TRACTOR TRANSPORT BOX Roy Wiershing, Carbon Cliff, Ill.

Application September 8, 1949, Serial No. 114,479

4 Claims.

This invention relates to a tractor transport box and more particularly to a light weight sheet metal box that can be attached to the draft or equivalent carrying structure of various types of agricultural tractors to enable such tractors to carry medium sized loads.

Transport boxes of the general class referred to are known. The principal object of the present invention is to improve the general design and construction of transport boxes of this character to the end that they may be simply and economically produced and marketed at low cost. In this respect, it is a feature of the invention to produce a box of a single rectangular sheet of metal bent to provide a floor and opposite side walls, and to utilize portions trimmed 01f the sheet metal in the formation of the box a reinforcing members for the side walls and portions of the box floor, thus minimizing the amount of waste or scrap ordinarily left over because of the peculiar shape of these boxes.

A still further feature of the invention resides in the provision of improved means for mounting or carrying the box on the draft arms of a tractor of the Ford or Ferguson type, or on equivalent or comparable carrying structure of tractors of other types. ing means takes the form of a pair of coaxial pins or trunnions carried respectively in the side walls of the box and secured to these side walls by portions of the respective reinforcing members and flanges on the upper edges of the box side walls.

The foregoing and other important objects and desirable features inherent in and encompassed,

by the invention will become apparent as a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed in detail in the following description and accompanying sheets of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the rear portion of a tractor of the type referred to and having the transport box carried thereon in carrying position.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the structure shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view showing the development of the box from a rectangular piece of sheet metal.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the box.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the reinforcing members as it appears in a preliminary stage of its formation.

Figure 6 is a similar view of the same member in its completed form.

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the mounting of one of the trunnion pins and its relation to the flanges of the side wall an t e a soc a e reinfor ing m mb r.

Specifically, the mount 2 Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 88 of Figure 1 and showing the upper mounting at one side of the endgate.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view on'the same scale and of the same structure as in Figure 8, this View being taken along the line 99 of Figure 2.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line Ill-I0 of Figure 4 and showing one of the mounting pins for the lower edge of the endgate.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary perspective view taken generally along the line i II l of Figure 2 and showing one of the front corners of the box.

The rear portion of the tractor illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 may be considered typical of either of the types mentioned above and comprises a longitudinal body l0 carried on a pair of rear traction wheels l2 and M, the left hand wheel l4 being omitted from Figure 1. This tractor has a pair of laterally spaced rearwardly extending draft arms I6 and i8 pivoted at their forward ends at a point beneath the axis of the rear wheels, as indicated at 2B in Figure 1. The rear ends of the arms are provided respectively with mounting portions comprising apertured spherical members 22 and 24, the details of which are familiar to those acquainted with the type of tractor referred to. The tractor is provided with conventional power lift mechanism which includes a transverse rockshaft 26 having power arms 28 and 30 respectively at its ends. These arms are connected by links 32 and 34, respectively, to intermediate portions of the draft arms l6 and I8. It will be appreciated that rock ing of the rockshaft 26 effects raising and lowering of the arms l8. The box is indicated in its entirety by the numeral 36 and comprises a floor 38, a right hand side wall 40, a left hand side wall 42, a front wall 44 and a removable rear wall or endgate 46.

The floor 38 and side walls 40 and 42 are formed from a singlepiece of rectangular sheet metal, the development of which is shown in Figure 3. In the formation of the side wall 40 triangular portions '48 and 50 are sheared there-v from, leaving the side wall 19 with a pair of angularly relatedupper edges 52 and 54. The formation of the other side wall 42 is accomplished by shearing off triangular portions 56 and 58 respectively, similar to the triangular portions 48 and 50, thus providing the side wall 42 with angularly related upper edges 68 and 62. The side wall portions 40 and 42 are bent upwardly respectively along the lines 64' and 66 at opposite sides of the floor portion 38, the sheet metal at this stage assuming an inverted tunnel form. The edges 52 and 54 of the side wall 40 are respectively flanged at 68 and I and the upper edges 60 and 62 of the side wall d2 are respectively flanged at I2 and T4. In Figure 3, the lines along which the upper portions of the side walls are bent to provide the flanges 68, It, I2 and I4 are designated respectively by the numerals It, 18, 8E and 82.

In order that the formation of the flanges 68 and Iii may be simply and easily accomplished, the portion of the side wall at the junction .of the angularly related edges 52 and 5 1 is notched, as indicated at 86 in Figure 3. The corresponding portion of the other side wall 42 is similarly notched, as at $6. The side walls 52 and 48 are respectively apertured at 88 and 99, to receive trunnion pins or cross elements 92 and M. These pins serve to mount the box 35 onithe draft arms I5 and I8, the pins passing respectively through theaperturedspherical members 22 and-24 in the arms (Figure 2). Those familiar with the type of tractor structure illustrated will appreciate that the mounting 'of the forward ends of the arms I6 and I8 on the tractor includes provision for limited lateral movement of the arms, whereby the arms may be moved toward each other sufliciently to accommodate connection with the pins 92 and 94. The pins 92 ands l receive locking members such as cotter pins 9% and as, respectively, to maintain the carrying connections.

The flanges 68 and It on the side wall it are respectively substantially coextensive with the upper edges of that side wall and, when the flanges are formed toproject generally normally to the outer-surface of the side wall, the portions thereof proximate to the notch 8d substantially meet and lie in close proximity to accommodate a seam weld as indicated at its in Figures 2 and l. The flanges 72 and M on the other side wall 42 are substantially related and may be joined by a seam weld at I02 (Figures l, 2, 4 and '7) Although in general the flanges 68, IEI, i2 and 14 are preferably bent downwardly at an acute angle to the planes of the side walls to which they are adjoined, thus giving these side walls greater strength, the portions of the flanges proximate to-the welds at Ill?) and I532 are preferably normal to the side walls, so that the trunnion pins '92 and 94, respectively received in the apertures 88 and 9%} are overhung by the associated joined flanges (Figures 4 and 7).

As mentioned above, it is one of the principal features of the invention to minimize waste or scrap in the production of each box. To this end, the triangular portions 5% and 58 are utilized as reinforcing members respectively for the side walls 46 and '42 and proximate portions of the floor 38. The triangular portion 56 is bent to L shape as shown in Figure 5 and is thus provided with an upright leg I84 and a transverse or horizontal leg I136. The reinforcing member thus provided is disposed with its narrowest apex or tip upwardly so that the upright leg IEM has frontand rear downwardly diverging edges I08 and III). A small portion of the tip or apex of the longer leg of the L is sheared off so that the upper end of the upright leg is straight across and wide enough, as at M2, to accommodate the formation therein of a substantially circular aperture or notch II which is the same size as the apertures 88 and 86. The diverging edges I08 and H0 continue into the relatively wider horizontal leg I06, so that the leg I06 is similar.-

ly provided with inwardly diverging edges H5 and H8; the area of the horizontal leg I63 is thus substantial and increases toward the free end thereof. As shown in Figure 6, the reinforcing member made from the triangular portion 58 is flanged along its forward edges HEB-I it to provide a continuous flange 528 which increases the strength of the reinforcing member.

The reinforcing member made up of the triangular portion 59 constructed as shown in Figures 5 and 6 is positioned at the outer surface of the right hand side wall as, with the apertures 68 and H4 in alinment to receive the right hand trunnion pin 92. The other triangular portion d8 is provided in a manner similar to that of the portion 50, the two triangular portions, when completed, being symmetrical and the portion 58 comprising a left hand reinforcing member having an upright leg I22, a transverse or horizontal leg I24 and being flanged along its front edge at I23. As best shown in Figure 2, the horizontal legs I86 and IN underlie substantial portions of the floor 38 but do not themselves overlap. A rectangular plate I2! may be secured, preferably by spot-welding at I29, to that portion of the floor between the legs I06 and I22.

The upper end of the upright leg I22 of the left hand reinforcing member is apertured in a manner similar to the aperturing of the right hand member at H4, for registration with the left hand side wall aperture 99. The upper ends of the flanges I29 and I26 on the reinforcing members are respectively proximate to or overhung by the side wall upper'edge flanges t8 and 12. As bestshownin Figures 4 and 7 the three associated flanges come together in a zone at the apex of the-downwardly diverging side walls of the respective upper edgeto provide a pocket in which the outer projecting end portion of the trunnion pin 94 (or 92) is received. The flanges i2, i6 and I26 are welded to circumferentially spaced portions of the pin 24, as at I28, Hit and I32, respectively. In addition, the upper end of the flange 026 may be welded at 53 1 to the proximate portion of the flange I2. Further, the remaining circumferential portion of the pin '34 may be welded to the face of the upright leg I22 of the left hand reinforcing member, as indicated at I36. The proximate portions of the flanges 68, It and I29 at the right hand of the box are similarly arranged with respect to the right hand trunnion pin 92. In addition, the reinforcing members are preferably spot-welded to the proximate side wall and floor portions, as indicated in Figures 1, 2 and 4 by'the numeral I38.

The front wall 44 is a rectangular sheet flanged at all four of its edges, the upper, lower and right hand flanges being illlustrated in Figurell at I46, I42 and'IM. The lower flange is preferably spot-welded at I45 to the floor and the right hand flange is preferably spot-welded at I48 to the forward portion of the right hand side wall 40. The right hand flange is preferably spot-welded at I59 (Figures 1 and 4) to the forward portion of the left hand side wall 42. The upper flange I69 is preferably at an acute angle to the plane of the wall G4, the angle being such that the flange I40 readily accommodates the upward and rearward inclination of the arms I6 and I8 when the box is in carrying position.

As previously stated, the arms I6 and I8 are mounted for limited lateral swinging. In order that the swinging may be eliminated so thatthe box is centered behind the tractor, the front wall 44 carries means in the form of a pair of upstanding lugs I52 and I54 respectively engageable with the arms I6 and I8.

The endgate 46 is provided respectively with upper and lower flanges I56 and I58 and with opposite end flanges I66 and I62 (Figure 4). The upper endgate flange I56 is provided at opposite end portions thereof with retainers I64 and I66, these being preferably welded to the flange I56. As best shown in Figures 8 and 9, the retainer I66 is preferably in the form of a rod bent to L shape and having a depending leg I68 receivable in an aperture I18 in the rear portion of the right hand side wall flange 14. The other retainer is similarly constructed and similarly received by an aperture in the right hand side wall upper flange 10.

The lower flange I58 has a pair of mounting members in the form of upright pins I12 and I14 preferably welded to the endgate 46 and passing respectively through suitable apertures in the flange I58. As best shown in Figure 10, the rear portion of the floor 38 is provided with an aperture I16 for receiving the left hand endgate pin I14. The opposite side of the floor 38 is provided with a similar aperture (not shown) for receiving the right hand endgate pin I12.

The rear end of the box is reinforced, preferably by a U-shaped channel member I18 which has its bight I80 underlying the rear portion of the floor 38 and opposite legs I62 and I 84 respectively overlying and rigidly secured, as by welding, to rear portions of the side walls 46 and 42. As suggested in Figure 10, the bight I 88 of the channel member is apertured to receive the endgate pins I12 and I14. As suggested in Figures 1 and 9, the upper portions of the channel respectively accommodate the endgate retainers I64 and I66.

Figure 9 shows that the depending portion I68 of the retainer I66 is inclined downwardly and rearwardly. This arrangement insures against accidental upward movement of the endgate. The locking capacity of the inclined retainers I64 and I66 increases in direct proportion to rearward horizontal loading applied to the endgate 46.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that the transport box may be economically constructed. In view of the relationship of the various flanges and the association of the reinforcing members 50 and 58 with the side walls and bottom, the material used may be relatively light weight, such as ten or twelve gauge. The ultilization of the reinforcing members gives the side walls and bottom or floor double thickness where needed. The pocket formation of the flanges surrounding or embracing the trunnion pins is important from the standpoint of providing convenient means for mounting the pins and combining simplicity and relatively great strength at the points at which the box is mounted on the draft arms. Of particular importance i the utilization of the elongated triangular parts or portions 50 and 58 for the formation of the reinforcing members cut scrap or waste to a minimum, since only the smaller triangular portions 48 and 56 need be discarded. In general, the box provided according to the present invention eliminates high cost in manufacture and enables the boxes to be produced and marketed at a price well within the means of the average purchaser.

Other objects and features of the invention not specifically enumerated herein will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as likewise will numerous modifications and alterations in the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A transport box of the character described, comprising: a horizontal floor; a pair of elongated side walls joined to and extending upwardly from the floor; each side wall having inner and outer surfaces, opposite ends, and a pair of angularly related upper edges meeting at a junction intermediate said ends and diverging respectively toward said ends so that at least one of said edges inclines downwardly toward one end; means including a pair of flanges respectively on and along the upper edges of each side wall, said flanges on each side wall projecting outwardly to overhang the outer surface of that side wall and substantially meeting at the junction of the related upper edges; means providing apertures respectively through the side walls and alined on a transverse horizontal axis immediately below the junctions of the related upper edges; a pair of trunnion pins projecting outwardly respectively through the apertures to be overhung by the meeting flanges; a pair of side members respectively lying along the outer surfaces of the side walls and apertured to respectively receive the trunnion pins, each member having an upright, outwardly projecting flange lying closely alongside the associated trunnion pin and substantially meeting one of the related upper edge flanges to provide, with the associated upper edge flanges, a box-like structure partially surrounding the associated trunnion pin; and each of said trunnion pins being welded to the associated upper edge flanges and to the associated member flange.

2. The invention defined in claim 1, further characterized in that: each side member is ri idly secured to its associated side wall, and has a bottom, inward extension lying below and rigidly secured to the floor.

3. A transport box of the character described, comprising: a horizontal floor; a pair of elongated side walls joined to and extending upwardly from the floor; each side wall having inner and outer surfaces, opposite ends, and a pair of angularly related upper edges meeting at a junction intermediate said ends and diverging respectively toward said ends so that at least one of said edges inclines downwardly toward one end; means including a pair of flanges respec tively on and along the upper edges of each side wall, said flanges on each side wall projecting generally normal to said side wall to overhang one of said side wall surfaces and substantially meeting at the junction of the related upper edges; means providing an aperture in each side wall immediately below the associated meeting flanges, said apertures being alined on a transverse horizontal axis; a cross element passed through each aperture and projecting in the same direction as the associated flanges so as to be closely overhung by said flanges; a side member lying along each side wall on the surface thereof overhung by the associated flanges, said side member being apertured to receive the associated cross element and having a flange projecting in the same direction as the associated upper edge flanges and substantially meeting at least one of said upper edge flanges so that all the associated flanges form a pocket into which the associated cross element is received; and means securing each cross element to the associated pocket-forming flanges.

:4.,Atransport-b ox of the character described, comprising: a horizontal floor; a pair of elongated side-walls joined to and extending upwardly from the floor; each side wall having inner and outer surfaces, opposite ends, and a pair of angularly relatedupperedges meeting at a junction intermediate said ends and diverging respectively toward said ends so that at least one of said edges inclinestdownwardly towardone end; means including -a pair of flanges respectively on and along the upper edges of each side Wall, said flanges on each side Wall projecting from said side-wall tooverhang one of said side wall surfaces and .being substantially coextensive With the-relatedupper edges at the junction of said edges; means providing an aperture in each side wallimmediately below the junction of the respective upper edgestand overhung by the associated flanges, a cross element passed through eachaperture and projecting in the same directionas the associated flanges so as to be closely overhung by said flanges; a side member lying along each side Wall on the surface thereof overhung by the associated flanges, said side member having a flange projecting in the same direction vas the associated upper edge flanges and substantially meeting at least one of said upper edge flanges alongside the associated cross element so that all the associated flanges form a pocket into which said associated cross element is received; and means securing each cross element to the associated pocket-forming flanges.

ROY WIERSI-IINGl References Cited in the file of this patent FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 602,021 Great Britain May 18, 1948 

